Akshaya Tritiya

Seven less known facts about Akshaya Tritiya

1. Simhachalam

Simhachalam (Andhra Pradesh) is the abode of Lord Narasimha. The Deity of Lord Narasimha is always covered with sandal paste. On the day of Akshaya Tritiya (which occurs 11 days before Narasimha Jayanti – the appearance day of Lord Narasimha), the sandal paste is removed and abhisheka is performed. This is the only day on which the devotees will get to see the form of the Lord. On the same evening, the Deity is again covered with sandal paste.

2. Jagannath Puri

Every year the Ratha Yatra festival is celebrated at Jagannath Puri. The three chariots of Jagannath (Nandighosha), Baladeva (Taladvaja) and Subhadra (Darpadalana) are newly built every year with the wood of specific trees. The construction of the chariots for Ratha Yatra begins on the day of Akshaya Tritiya.

3. Remuna (Kshira-chora Gopinatha)

In the temple of Kshira-chora Gopinatha (Remuna, Odisha) the Deities of Madana-mohana, Govinda and Gopinatha are smeared with sandalwood pulp on this auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. This tradition is being followed from the time of Sri Madhavendra Puri, one of the acharyas in the Gaudiya Vaishnava Sampradaya, who travelled from Vrindavana to Jagannath Puri on the order of Gopala Deity to collect sandalwood and camphor. On the way back, the Deity of Gopala ordered Madhavendra Puri to grind the sandalwood with camphor and apply it to Gopinatha Deity because the Deity of Gopala and Gopinatha are non-different. This Deity of Gopinatha stole a sweet rice pot for His dear devotee, Madhavendra Puri and hence the name Kshira-chora Gopinatha.

4. Badrinath

In Badrinath, the temples of Gangotri and Yamunotri are closed during winter. On the day of Akshaya Tritiya the shrines re-open for the pilgrims.

5. Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam, the temple-city, celebrates Garuda-vahana Seva for Vishnu Deities (Perumal) from 12 different temples: Chakrapani, Sarangapani, Varadaraja, Valvil Raman, etc. Garuda, also known as Vainateya (the son of Vinata) is the bird-carrier of Lord Vishnu. He is the king of the birds (Khagendra). In the Vedic literature it is stated that the two wings of Garuda are two divisions of the Sama Veda known (brhat and rathantara). The vibration generated by the flapping of his wings form the basis of Sama Veda mantras. Visit Kumbakonam on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya to have darshan of Dvadasha Garuda Seva.

6. Guru Pushya

There is a mad-rush for purchasing gold on Akshaya Tritiya. People believe that if they purchase gold on this auspicious day it will never diminish. But did you know that the scriptures recommend Guru Pushya as the auspicious day for purchase of gold.

7. Sudama

Akshaya Tritiya is regarded as one of the most auspicious days for new beginnings. This festival occurs on the third day (Tritiya) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Vaishakha every year. The word ‘Akshaya’ in Sanskrit means inexhaustible, that which is unlimited or everlasting. Thus this festival is a celebration of unending happiness, peace and prosperity.

Akshaya Tritiya is linked to a number of historic events. It was on this day that Sudama, a poor brahmana, went to Dwaraka and met His childhood friend, Lord Krishna. Though Sudama never asked the Lord for any help, Lord Krishna blessed him with unlimited prosperity in return for his most humble offering of chipped rice. In spite of possessing great riches, Sudama remained a great devotee of the Lord and never forgot Him till the end of his life. Consequently, he attained the supreme perfection. Thus Akshaya Tritiya is also a festival of Lord Sri Krishna’s blessings for prosperity and devotion.